IATA code: SJO · ICAO code: MROC
Location: Alajuela province, about 20 km (12 miles) northwest of downtown San José
GPS coordinates: 9.99389, -84.20889
Elevation: 921 m (3,022 ft)
Operator: Aeris Holding Costa Rica
Opened: 2 May 1958
Juan Santamaría International Airport is Costa Rica’s main international gateway and the arrival point for most visitors to the country. Despite being known as “San José airport”, it is not in San José — it sits in the province of Alajuela, roughly 20 km northwest of the capital, and the drive into downtown San José typically takes 25 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
In 2025 the airport handled just over 6.7 million passengers and close to 108,000 aircraft movements. It is named after Juan Santamaría, the drummer boy who died defending Costa Rica in 1856 and is the country’s national hero.
Don’t confuse SJO with SJC or SJU
This trips up travellers every year, sometimes expensively.
- SJO — Juan Santamaría International, San José, Costa Rica. This one.
- SJC — Norman Y. Mineta San José International, San José, California, USA.
- SJU — Luis Muñoz Marín International, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
When booking, check the three-letter code, not the city name. And bear in mind Costa Rica has a second international airport — Daniel Oduber Quirós (LIR) in Liberia, Guanacaste — which is closer if your destination is the northern Pacific beaches.
Terminals
SJO has a main international terminal and a separate, much smaller domestic terminal for flights within Costa Rica.
The international terminal is modest by capital-city standards, which works in your favour: less walking, shorter distances between gates, and a layout that’s hard to get lost in. It has self-service check-in kiosks, duty free, restaurants and lounges.
Domestic flights are operated mainly by Sansa Airlines and Costa Rica Green Airways, generally on small propeller aircraft with strict baggage weight limits. If you’re connecting from an international flight to a domestic one, confirm which terminal your domestic flight departs from and allow time to move between them.
Airlines and routes
SJO is a hub for Avianca Costa Rica, Sansa and Costa Rica Green Airways, an operating base for Volaris Costa Rica, and a focus city for Copa Airlines and Avianca El Salvador.
Major carriers serving the airport include United, American, Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, Spirit, Copa, Avianca, LATAM and Volaris, with connections to North, Central and South America, the Caribbean and a handful of European cities.
Among the busiest routes are Panama City, Houston, Miami, San Salvador, Mexico City, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Madrid, Newark and Guatemala City.
The high season runs from December through March, when both passenger numbers and fares peak.
Arriving: immigration, baggage and customs
After landing you’ll pass through immigration, collect your baggage, then clear customs. Customs uses a traffic light system: you press a button, and a green light means you walk through while a red light means your bags are inspected. It’s random, it’s quick, and there’s nothing to do about it either way.
Rental car desks are in the arrivals area, but the vehicles themselves are at off-site lots. Between the paperwork, insurance and the shuttle to the lot, budget 45 to 60 minutes before you’re actually driving.
Departing: how early to arrive
Arrive three hours before an international flight. Airlines at SJO typically close check-in 60 minutes before departure, and the queues in high season are real. For domestic flights, two hours is usually sufficient, but confirm with your airline.
Getting to and from the airport
Official taxis
The official airport taxis are orange, and they queue outside arrivals. Using the official service avoids the informal operators who approach arriving passengers. Confirm the fare or that the meter is running before you set off.
Shared shuttles and private transfers
If you’re heading straight to Jacó, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Arenal or the Guanacaste beaches, book a shuttle or private transfer in advance. These routes are long and the public bus is not a practical option with luggage.
Public bus
Public buses connect the airport with Alajuela and San José and are by far the cheapest option. They work well if you’re travelling light and heading to one of those two cities; they’re not suited to resort transfers or late arrivals.
Rental car
All the major rental companies operate at SJO. Two things to know: mandatory liability insurance is added on top of the advertised daily rate and is not optional, and pickup takes longer than you expect because the lots are off-site.
Hotels near the airport
If you arrive late or leave early, staying near the airport rather than in downtown San José saves a 30-minute drive at an awkward hour. Most airport hotels are in Alajuela and Belén, and many offer a free airport shuttle.
One option in Belén, roughly 20 minutes from the terminal, is El Rodeo Estancia Boutique Hotel — a 29-room family-run property with a pool, gym, tennis court and its own steakhouse restaurant, which makes it a more comfortable last night than a standard transit hotel.
What’s near the airport
If you have a few hours before a flight, or you’re staying nearby:
- Alajuela city centre — about five minutes away. The Juan Santamaría Museum, the central market and plenty of places to eat a casado.
- Poás Volcano — around 45 minutes. One of the most accessible active volcanoes anywhere, with a crater lake. Advance booking through SINAC is required, and mornings are best before cloud closes in.
- Coffee plantations — roughly 30 minutes into the Central Valley highlands.
- The Tárcoles River — about 90 minutes southwest, where you can see wild crocodiles for free on the way to the Pacific coast. See our full Tarcoles River guide.
Practical notes
- Currency: US dollars are widely accepted, but you’ll usually get change in colones. ATMs in the terminal dispense both.
- Altitude: the airport sits at 921 m, so the Central Valley is noticeably cooler than the coast. Don’t pack for the beach and arrive in shorts at 6 a.m.
- SIM cards and connectivity: available in the terminal, though usually at a premium over shops in town.
Frequently asked questions about SJO airport
Where is Juan Santamaría International Airport?
In the province of Alajuela, about 20 km (12 miles) northwest of downtown San José, Costa Rica. Despite being called “San José airport”, it is not located in San José itself. The drive downtown takes roughly 25 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
What is the airport code for Costa Rica’s main airport?
SJO (IATA) and MROC (ICAO). Don’t confuse SJO with SJC, which is San José in California, or SJU, which is San Juan in Puerto Rico. Costa Rica’s second international airport is Daniel Oduber Quirós (LIR) in Liberia, Guanacaste.
How far is SJO airport from San José?
About 20 kilometres, or 12 miles. Allow 25 to 45 minutes by car, longer during rush hour.
How early should I arrive at SJO for an international flight?
Three hours before departure. Airlines at SJO typically close check-in 60 minutes before the flight, and queues are longest during the December to March high season.
Does Juan Santamaría airport have more than one terminal?
Yes. There is a main international terminal and a separate, much smaller domestic terminal serving flights within Costa Rica, operated mainly by Sansa Airlines and Costa Rica Green Airways. If you’re connecting between the two, allow time to move between terminals.
How do I get from SJO airport to my hotel?
Official airport taxis are orange and queue outside arrivals. For longer distances such as Jacó, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde or Guanacaste, book a shuttle or private transfer in advance. Public buses serve Alajuela and San José cheaply but aren’t practical with heavy luggage.
How long does it take to pick up a rental car at SJO?
Allow 45 to 60 minutes. The rental desks are in the arrivals hall but the vehicles are at off-site lots, so there’s a shuttle involved on top of the paperwork. Mandatory liability insurance is added to the advertised rate and is not optional.
Should I stay near the airport or in San José?
If you’re arriving late or departing early, staying near the airport in Alajuela or Belén avoids a 30-minute drive at an inconvenient hour, and many airport-area hotels include a free shuttle. Downtown San José makes more sense if you plan to spend time in the city.
How many passengers use SJO?
Just over 6.7 million passengers in 2025, with close to 108,000 aircraft movements. The busiest months run from December through March.